Hall Of Fame

Leading Individuals

Rising Stars

Projects and energy in Sri Lanka

D. L. & F. De Saram

The projects and energy team at D. L. & F. De Saram is well known for its strength in advising on complex regulatory matters, at both domestic and international level, as well as the development, construction, financing and due diligence elements of large-scale projects. The client base includes renewables, oil and gas, tech and telecoms entities. Senior partner of the firm Savantha De Saram and banking and finance specialist Aloka Nandasena lead the practice, in which Hansi Abayaratne is a stand-out name.

Responsables de la pratique:

Savantha De Saram; Aloka Nandasena


Autres avocats clés:

Hansi Abayaratne


Les références

‘The team’s knowledge of the power sector in Sri Lanka is exceptional.’

‘Hansi Abayaratne is responsive, practical and a great project development lawyer.’

Principaux clients

China Harbour Engineering Company Limited


Adani Port and SEZ Limited


Adani Green Energy Limited


Go Bungy Japan


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Adani Green Energy Ltd on its PPP project development in Sri Lanka, including on government procurement rules applicable to solicited and unsolicited projects funded by private sector investors, the establishment and operation of renewable energy projects, and land acquisition.
  • Advised clients on the development and operation of East Container Terminal situated within the Colombo South Harbour at the Port of Colombo.
  • Advised Go Bungy Japan on setting up a bungy jumping facility at the Colombo Lotus Tower.

Nithya Partners

The projects team at Nithya Partners is led by project finance expert Chanaka De Silva, and is noted for its experience in advising on complex financing and development matters concerning a broad range of projects. The group handles instructions from a range of industries, including electricity, telecoms, petroleum, roads, ports and mining, and also handles related litigation. Senior associate Dilrukshi Paul is a key name to note, advising on the regulatory and contractual elements of deals.

Responsables de la pratique:

Chanaka de Silva


Autres avocats clés:

Dilrukshi Paul


Les références

‘The partner and associates are very knowledgeable. They are also easily accessible.’

‘Very knowledgeable of the industry and very proactive in approach.’

Principaux clients

Lakdhanavi Limited


Adani Group of India


Vidul Lanka (Private) Limited


Metrocorp (Pvt.) Ltd.


Roughton Consultants, UK


China State Construction Engineering Corp. Ltd.


New Fortress Energy of USA


Maga Engineering (Pvt.) Ltd.


Tudawe Brothers (Pvt) Ltd.


Iluka Resources Limited


Magalganga Power Company (Pvt) Ltd


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted Lakdhanavi Limited with clarifications and matters related to the procurement procedure from the evaluation process stage of its bid, and also represented the client in litigation concerning the award of the contract for the Kerawalapitiya LNG power plant.
  • Advised New Fortress Energy Inc. on a transaction with the Government of Sri Lanka for the supply of LNG to the Yugadhanavi Power Plant, Sobadhanavi Power Plant and other future power plants in the Kerawalapitiya area.
  • Advised the client on the terms of the draft Concession Agreement and is assisting with the structuring of a project, negotiations with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, joint venture related issues, and financing the project.

Tiruchelvam Associates

Energy specialist Laila Nasry is at the helm of Tiruchelvam Associates’ projects and energy practice. The team has significant experience in assisting clients with the regulatory and developmental aspects of a broad array of projects, for example wind power, combined cycle power, and solar electricity. It also has strength in advising on related trade deals. The group’s workload often has cross-jurisdictional elements, such as advising on the feasibility of interconnecting grids between countries. Nirosha Peiris, who made partner in 2022, is a noteworthy practitioner.

Responsables de la pratique:

Laila Nasry


Autres avocats clés:

Nirosha Peiris


Principaux clients

World Bank and World Trade Organisation


Galadari Brothers Co. LLC


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Sri Lanka’s energy regulator, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, on reviewing and revising the contractual structure of rooftop solar electricity generation to facilitate third-party investment.
  • Assisted the World Trade Organization and the World Bank Group with reviewing and advising on the legal and regulatory barriers to service trade and investment across 33 service sectors in Sri Lanka.
  • Assisted Galadari Brothers Co. LLC with its subsidiary Galadari Hotels (Lanka) PLC’s entry into a series of agreements with a multinational hospitality giant for the development of Galadari Hotel Lanka and the operation and management thereafter.

F. J. & G. De Saram

F. J. & G. De Saram‘s team advises on a broad range of matters in the projects and energy space. The group predominantly advises high-profile clients on the financial aspects of the development of significant projects, with a particular focus on wind, thermal and solar power. Ayomi Aluwihare and Shanaka Gunasekara are the practice heads, and senior associate Shakthi Ratnakumaran is a key name in the group.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ayomi Aluwihare; Shanaka Gunasekara


Autres avocats clés:

Shakthi Ratnakumaran


Principaux clients

Asia Development Bank


Trilegal


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Trilegal – on behalf of the International Finance Corporation – in its position as the consultant to the Government of Sri Lanka on the development of a 300MW solar and wind power park under a PPP model.
  • Advised Sojitz Kelanitissa (Pvt) Ltd on the termination of a PPA entered into with the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and subsequent transfer of a thermal power plant to the CEB.